The SupplyChainBrain Podcast

The United States’ dependence on basic minerals from China and other foreign sources is a huge problem, both from an economic and defense perspective.

On this bonus episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast, SupplyChainBrain editor-in-chief Bob Bowman speaks with Gary van Tassel, director of terminal and distribution center operations at software provider INFORM.

The U.S. economy appears to be in decent shape – but there could be some dark clouds massing on the horizon.

On this bonus episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast, SupplyChainBrain editor-in-chief Bob Bowman speaks with Maneet Singh, CIO and chief digital officer of Odyssey Logistics, about the prospects, promise and limitations of artificial intelligence.

Craig Hattabaugh, Vice President at Berkshire Gray, and Ellen Bruhn, VP of Product Management at AutoStore, delve into the past, present, and future of warehouse technology. They discuss the evolution from conveyor systems to advanced robotics and automation. The duo explores how these innovations impact workforce roles, shifting tasks towards higher-skilled positions. They predict a future influenced by AI in decision-making and seamless human-robot collaboration. Ellen also shares insights on AutoStore's Carousel AI, promising enhanced picking accuracy and efficiency in fulfillment.

Jim de Vries, founder of Enhance International Group and project manager for the MXD Trustworthy Supply Chain Transparency Survey, discusses the critical need for transparency in defense supply chains. He highlights how the origins of raw materials and reliance on foreign suppliers, especially from China, compromise trust. The conversation delves into the hidden complexities of tier-two suppliers and the challenges posed by the lack of electronic records. Jim invites manufacturers to participate in the survey, emphasizing its benefits and the importance of maintaining an ongoing trust acceleration index.

If you’ve been paying attention to the tech news in the several years, you might have acquired the impression that artificial intelligence is on a steady unstoppable climb.

Curtis Spencer, CEO of Bloodhound Tracking Device, Inc., discusses the pressing issues of cargo theft and innovative security solutions. He highlights the digital gaps in supply chain security and the growing adoption of tracking technologies. Curtis shares insights on the importance of real-time alerts, tamper detection, and the complexities of reefer tracking. He emphasizes the need for AI-driven insights for better routing and warns about the vulnerabilities of autonomous trucks. Overall, he conveys an urgent message about combating theft in an evolving landscape.

Marcel Graus, an inventory management expert at DSV, discusses the groundbreaking implementation of autonomous inventory counting for clients like Scholl. He highlights the challenges of the traditional manual wall-to-wall inventory process and explains how integrating drones and a digital twin platform has revolutionized their operations. This tech not only slashes downtime and labor costs but also boosts accuracy to an impressive 99.99%. Marcel also touches on the future of logistics and how intelligent systems enhance supply chain resilience.

On this bonus episode of The SupplyChainBrain Podcast, SupplyChainBrain editor-in-chief Bob Bowman speaks with Mario Cordero, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach.